great video, I've had my Sportspal for over 30 years, and put on over a 1000 miles on it, mostly river travel. Regarding the sponsoons they add the secondary stability and flotation. When my daughter was young I wished to show her what happened with an overturned canoe. We were out at a small lake, I put her in the water with a life jacket on. I then attempted to overturn the sportspal. I had to stand on the gunnel and bounce a number of times to get it to flip. After righting the sportspal in the water, we were both able to sit in it, and it still floated even though it was full of water. My sponsoons deteriorated over the years, I went to replace them but they are fairly expensive (about $70.00 Cdn), so I cheaped out and bought some pool noodles. I split them in half glued the ends together and attached them. I have had them on for about 3 years.

Love it.Used it for fishing in LA Verendrye Parc Que. 3 people paddling on the lake. It's tough and safe.Saved my Life many times in the wilderness

Every man needs a good beater canoe, pickup truck, sharp 6" blade, and an understanding significant other who allows him to escape to the wilderness from time to time. IMHO. A dump trailer wouldn't hurt either. Excellent video.

@outdoorsonthecheap

3 жыл бұрын

Wise words sir!

@terrymacleod6882

3 жыл бұрын

i have all that but the dump trailer. can i borrow yours.

@michaellippmann4474

3 жыл бұрын

Yep...I have all that but the dump trailer...that being said I have landscape trailer and a double axle car trailer! 🤣

I remember on one of my initial forays into Algonquin 40 years ago, I slid my 90 lb rental about 10 ft into the water, and a nearby elderly gentleman shouted, " Hey, thats a canoe not a wheelbarrow.!"Lol, great vid Greg.

Personally just went with a pack canoe love it best move ever made

Have a 14’ sportspal I bought of a guy down the street for a hundred dollars in 1988. took off the sponson’s and put some foam on inside of gunnels for flotation. It still doesn’t leak and I use it on a small creek on my trapline. Would say it would last longer than plastic or aluminum and paddles better than one would think because of its shape. Enjoyable video thanks

Thanks for a great video! I had one of these, I loved it, it was easy to paddle and very stable. I currently paddle wood/canvas and epoxy whitewater canoe which are great but I wish i had not parted with the old Sportspal. I will be looking for a small Sportspal to keep at home for when my grandson is here, it is a remarkably safe boat for youngsters to lear how to handle a boat. The only reason I got rid of my old Sportspal was that the ribs kept coming loose and I lost a couple, probably because she was so beat up after years of hard use. Thanks again, WS

Those are nice little canoes. When I was looking for a lightweight in the mid 90s almost got one. Ended up following family tradition with a 13’ Grumman. Looks like yours had earned its place in that personal gear load out. Nice to see equipment that works over time.😁👍

@outdoorsonthecheap

2 жыл бұрын

This little guys has taken a beating for sure but always gets me home in one piece :)

Thank you for the video it was very informative and I love the homemade seats... I just bought my first 12' Sportspal and it came with the foam seat very low to the ground not easy to maneuver the canoe. So I will do the same you did make my own seat, without breaking the bank. Have a good day!!!

@outdoorsonthecheap

Жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

I have the Sportspal 14ft at 60lbs and it is an awesome canoe. I have it with a trolling motor and it is so much fun to get out and do some fishing. I love the portability of my kayak but if I am going to spend any decent amount of time on the water, my Sportspal just can't be beat. So much room for coolers, gear, tackle, and people!

@outdoorsonthecheap

3 жыл бұрын

Totally agree!

@TheTruth-ge7fj

2 жыл бұрын

did you get the one with the small transom or wide?

@scottandlora4029

8 ай бұрын

A twin to the sportspal, I think, is the raddison. Our 14' pointed end is 41lbs. What a fun boat!

The construction is so different than other boats. I would never be happy with one of these for the kind of paddling I do and the general esthetics. However, there are thousands of these in use and loved be folks all overNorth America. We are lucky there are so many kinds of boats to suit all the different kinds of adventures out there. He talked about the sponsons and how he might remove them when they get too ratty looking. To me, they looked ratty from day one. But ratty can have its charms and can be desirable, just look at the hot rod scene. Paddle on and wear your PFD!

We fix all kinds of issues that pop up on a Sportspal. Good review nice to see it getting some miles on it. Cheers from North Bay.

@outdoorsonthecheap

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks man

May I suggest looking at a Lifetime Wasatch canoe made from HDPE 14' long 76lbs comes with two folding seats and a third backless seat in the middle Has a 600lb capacity and is 36" wide and very very stable and standing up while fishing is perfectly safe AND it comes with a offset bracket for up to a 3hp motor or 30lb thrust trolling motor Got it on sale under $600

Hey Greg...I love your Sports Pal! Well used means used! Usually the canoes you see on people's shoulders are the multi thousand dollar varnished beautiful works of art! Those I would not drag! Our 15' poly canoe has been dragged across everything you can imagine. Been used by dozens of my kids friends, been abused by them! Had it since 1999 and it looks like it...down side it is heavy...that is why we drag it! Hell my oldest daughter used to drag it down the pavement to get it to our beach to launch it! Great video man - Thanks! Mike 🇨🇦

@terrymacleod6882

3 жыл бұрын

i had one of those works of art for about 15 years. a beautiful sitka spruce that never touched the ground and rarely the water. i was scared to scratch it, lol.

@outdoorsonthecheap

3 жыл бұрын

Sounds like an awesome canoe!

@michaellippmann4474

3 жыл бұрын

@@terrymacleod6882 I never had one of those but have admired many of them....never wanted one because I knew I would be afraid to use it. That being said I have a buddy who built a magnificent 17' Cedar strip using West Epoxy and loads of varnish. He used that thing hard...he was never afraid of scratching it! He would just revarnish every couple years...pretty damn awesome! Have a great day! Mike 🇨🇦

I have the same canoe just in the radisson name. Been using it now for 15 or 16 years. I use a milk crate for a seat. I still have the foam seats tucked in the ends just for floatation. I use a electric trolling motor and it moves along fine. I always wanted to get the sailing kit.

@shyamlynn243

16 күн бұрын

I think about the sailing kit too for my sportspal. maybe one day eh!?

The foam parts are called sponsons. Keeps the canoe from tipping when your doggo retrieves the duck!

@outdoorsonthecheap

3 жыл бұрын

I guess they are like a kind of outrigger, adding secondary stability.

Great honest review. Enjoy your canoe. More proof the they will take a beating. Cheers

@outdoorsonthecheap

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, will do!

I fish with a group of guys and our ‘official’ canoe is a 146 old town. The plastic wears thin and they flip and they sit way low in the water. Likely overloaded. I’m getting really interested in an s15 sports pal. Crazy enough I found one used and reasonably close to me way down in the south. I kind of like the idea of having a bruiser canoe like this and the stability and quietness are. Big plus.

@outdoorsonthecheap

Жыл бұрын

I think you'll be happy with it - just don't expect to win any races :)

@arthurdirindinjr1792

Жыл бұрын

If they are available near you check out the 14' Lifetime Wasatch canoe made from HDPE weighs 76lbs 36" wide very very stable capacity is 600lbs Find decent amount of video reviews of it on KZread I paid

I'd counter that I would recommend standing in a sportspal. I stand and paddle mine like a SUP using a kayak paddle. This is because I spend most of my time standing and fishing, and I prefer not to get up and down between casts or repositioning the boat. If you've got the balance and the core muscles, by all means stand.

@gregtarris9057

Ай бұрын

I have been standing in my canoe since I bought it 30 years ago. It is incredible stable

This is the Canadian version!! The Aluminum is thinner compare to the American made Meyers company. I wish with the excess to the internet people would be more informed about these two different makers and canoes. The Meyers made Sportspal is a tougher version with no welded seams.

@davidmceachen4050

3 жыл бұрын

Stupid question I got one how can u figure out the age of canoe

@outdoorsonthecheap

3 жыл бұрын

I have no idea

@bradmanoutdoors

3 жыл бұрын

@@davidmceachen4050 if you have a sportspal by meyers, it is the last 2 digits of the hull I.D. number. Not sure on a Radisson

@phillipbratt143

2 жыл бұрын

@@bradmanoutdoors Same on any Hull Identification Number to my knowledge. Not sure the HIN system existed before 1974. The manufacturer, week and year, as well as other info in the HIN, like in the VIN of a car.

I’ve been considering a used Radisson 12’ for two and two small dogs, but seeing it in scale next to an adult is changing my mind about that. So thanks for that information! By the way, you sound and look (from a distance in video) like the fellow from YT channel Maritime Gardening. That channel got me started in gardening.

@outdoorsonthecheap

Жыл бұрын

I am the same guy :) This is my outdoors channel. Yes, the 12' does not have a lot of room - it would be pretty crowded with 2 dogs

@bradlafferty

Жыл бұрын

Good to see you again! I thought the resemblance was uncanny! Since writing, I found a 14’ Radisson for $80. Needs some TLC but it floats. Now if I can figure out how to repair cracked outer layer and rusted bolts at the folds I’ll be all set!

@outdoorsonthecheap

Жыл бұрын

Fiberglass my friend. Man $80 - what a deal! Here's a vid I made last year about a canoe that I had to repair: kzread.info/dash/bejne/c56at8yKXZmxkaw.html

@bradlafferty

Жыл бұрын

Thank you! I had no idea how to proceed. Much appreciated!

Comment on the smooth bumpers, not an expert but with the smooth type may get water logged after being scraped and damaged. Then break down quicker. Also helps stick you on a structure when needed

@outdoorsonthecheap

Жыл бұрын

Good point - but these are a total liability when you are dragging the canoe through the bush - they grab everything.

The "sponsons" is a certain type of foam on the edges. It flakes, no way around it. It is for leaning your boat over to allow your water dog or child to re-enter the boat during the float.

@outdoorsonthecheap

2 жыл бұрын

Secondary stability is a good thing - I should have spoken to that point in the video

Just bought one these at a garage sale this morning for $275

@outdoorsonthecheap

2 ай бұрын

Good deal

I watched this since I am considering buying one for flyfishing and transport on lakes here in Norway. I´m impressed by how much beating yours has endured! One question I have is how it is to row. Solo over lakes into the wind I believe it will be a better choice than normal padling, and much dryer than with a double oar that drips all the time - but do you get any power out of so short oars, and is it akward in such a narrow vessel?

@outdoorsonthecheap

Жыл бұрын

I haven't tried them since I bought the canoe. The foam seats that it comes with are useless for rowing. Way too low in the canoe. I think if you had a custom seat at the right height near the middle it would row really well. They don't paddle that well compared to other canoes because they are so wide in the middle - so I think that's probably why the come with oar locks because it's possible that they row better than they paddle.

@sjurgabriel

Жыл бұрын

@@outdoorsonthecheap Thank you for your thoughts.

Just found your channel recently and really enjoying it. I'm in Dartmouth and always like seeing local wilderness videos. I've sold my sea kayak and I'm looking for a canoe. I've considered a couple used Sportspals but haven't pulled the trigger yet. How do you find the Sportspal on multiday trips? How slow are they compared to e.g. a Prospector-style canoe?

@outdoorsonthecheap

Жыл бұрын

Hey Dartvegas! Not as smooth sailing as a prospector. I've used mine on mutli-day trips lots of time. They don't paddle nice - but they get you there and are hard to tip. Great thing about sportspals, is that when you're tired and just don't care anymore, you can drag them overland and treat them like trash and they just keep working. Check out my most recent vid where I drag one down a logging road behind a scooter! Working on a video re: how to make the seats - stay tuned for that.

@StevenZinck

Жыл бұрын

@@outdoorsonthecheap I think you've got Dartmouth confused with Sackville 😁. Thanks for the information, I think I'll keep looking for a lighter canoe but probably not a Sportspal

@outdoorsonthecheap

Жыл бұрын

I grew up in Sackvegas :) Yes if speed and ease of paddling are your #1 requirement, the sportspal is not for you. The main selling points are the toughness, stability, low weight, and of course they are not as expensive as some other canoe. I really think they sacrificed the hydrodynamics for stability. If the canoe was more narrow and not as flat it would glide much smoother. That said - had mine out last weekend - was able to get along in 2" of water.

Good observations and tips from one who obviously knows his canoe - from actual, extensive usage. Nice change from all the videos by people who only surf the web! Nice, too, how you keep amending yourself during the editing process! Most people would not notice any of the problems, but you want to stay true to yourself and give your followers the best you can give. That is also rare. If the original seats were not good, why were they made that way? Bad seats are very surprising in combination with a canoe which is this well made and useful. That is, how could the designer make such a mistake? Or was that not so much a mistake as an attempt to accommodate a certain type of paddlers? P.S. It makes full sense to buy a new canoe if the used ones cost more. ;)

@outdoorsonthecheap

Жыл бұрын

Thanks man - yes I agree - the bad seat make no sense given how well the canoe is made. Very confusing!

Great video! I have a 25 year old 14 foot Radisson. What paint color and brand did you use on that boat stored next to the canoe at the end of the video? Thanks, Steve.

@outdoorsonthecheap

2 жыл бұрын

The paint is called "solignum marine paint". It was outside all winter and has held up great. Colour is 8065 sea green

@browntrout611

2 жыл бұрын

@@outdoorsonthecheap Thanks!

You beat the snot outta that canoe 💪🏼

@outdoorsonthecheap

Жыл бұрын

yep

Aluminium paste is something people tell me i need to buy for them . Just buy the 14 feet flat back version . Going to try it tomorow with a electric motor .

@outdoorsonthecheap

Жыл бұрын

good luck :)

@calom4823

Жыл бұрын

@@outdoorsonthecheap My new sportspall is now full of scratch only after 5 time fishing in lake lol. Got caught on 3 feet wave with 50 kmh wind and i was amaze on how safe i was feeling . The canoe was taking it like a champ with only my electric motor . I have a other fishing trip tomorrow im gonna use a small 2.5 2stroke Mariner realy beat up that i fix . Its in Canada Quebec they call it (Lac Lamothe) .

The American version must have much thicker aluminum. I used one until saltwater corrosion put pin holes in parts of the hull and it never showed that kind of dents or leaking seams.

@outdoorsonthecheap

Жыл бұрын

how many miles of shallow rocky river have your dragged it down? Also - none of the seams leak.

I have to say there are not many sportspal canoes on the used market

Can you compare the 12' vs 14' Sportspal?

@outdoorsonthecheap

3 жыл бұрын

The 14' is longer and heavier & better suited to 2 people but less maneuverable for small rivers

But whats it like stepping on an aluminum rib that is backed by foam

@outdoorsonthecheap

Жыл бұрын

It's totally fine

Should "not" buy brand new???

@outdoorsonthecheap

Жыл бұрын

I wouldn't. You usually get a better deal buying used, and if you are going to be using it roughly, it will not look new for long

Has carbon fiber moved over into the canoe world yet?

@outdoorsonthecheap

3 жыл бұрын

Not that I know of; however, I think there are Kevlar canoes.

@Yourmomma568

3 жыл бұрын

yes. light but brittle and expensive. ussually only in racing models, so not very useful.

@crabtrap

2 жыл бұрын

carbon fiber doesn't take impact well. it also tends to fail suddenly/catastrophically. like the other guy said, they are used for racing canoes but not in rocky situations. Kevlar is the main hightech for canoes/kayaks

how come every sports pal (radison/meyer) i see is beat to total shit? don't say"they get used more" cause thats bullsht. every single one looks like a twisted beer can used.

@outdoorsonthecheap

2 жыл бұрын

They respond differently to punishment than other materials - and look beat up - but they keep going, and the last